This question is very difficult to answer without first defining it, for the purpose of this essay I will define religion as a philosophy which affects lifestyle, because it gives a purpose to life. Buddhism is sometimes described instead as a philosophy which affects lifestyle, because it provides a purpose to life. Buddhism is often described as a philosophy because the existence or non-existence of a God is not central to their beliefs, unlike most …showed first 75 words of 887 total…

…showed last 75 words of 887 total…live your life. They are also one of the ways that God communicates with mankind. The scriptures provide clarity, unity and a consistent doctrine amongst believers. I don't believe that the truth changes so the scriptures should not be changed either. Someone could be a Christian without ever having read the Bible, if they accepted its message. Scriptures are very essential to many religions, but not necessarily to all, particularly to religions such as Buddhism.